Shirley Bell Barfield

Shirley Bell Barfield was born on January 16th, 1945, in Saline, LA to Laura Bell Bradley & Roy Jackson Sr (Deceased).

Shirley attended Shady Grove High School and graduated with her diploma in 1963. She accepted Christ at an early age and was a member of her family church, St. Mary’s Missionary Baptist Church, until she decided to relocate to Portland, Oregon.

Shirley came to live first with her cousins Noemie Houston and then Nancy Smith. During this time, she was introduced to her loving husband James Oliver Barfield by her cousin’s husband. On January 22nd, 1966, she accepted his hand in marriage. To this lovely union they were blessed with three handsome sons. Randy (Deceased), Carlos & James “Bobo.” Shirley loved her husband and family with all her heart, mind & soul.

In 1972 Shirley began working for Bess Kaiser Hospital on Greely with the recommendation of her true friend Vera Combs. She held varies positions within the Kaiser Organization from Environmental Services (Housekeeping) to Labor & Delivery. In 1985 she moved to the Sunnyside location and worked in Human Resources and finished in Home Health Care. Whatever position she held she did it with a contagious smile and a grateful heart. After leaving Kaiser, with the help of her devoted husband, Shirley opened their home to over 50 + Foster children. She loved & cared for them as if they were her own, until her health did not allow her.

 Shirley never forgot about the church and her faith in God. She joined Morning Star MBC as Head Usher under Rev. S. McCullumn. She went on to serve under the leadership of Rev. L. Madison @ New Jerusalem MBC, Rev. T. Scott @ Greater St. Stephen MBC, Rev. R. Edwards @ True Vine MBC. in which she served on the Pastor’s Aide committee to each. She later returned to Greater St. Stephen MBC until her death, under the leadership of Pastor Kimberly K. Black.

Shirley Bell, as she was often referred to, loved playing BINGO, and was a fierce competitor. She was also known to make the best pound cakes measured out by a coffee cup.

Shirley is preceded in death by her parents Laura Bell Bradley & Roy Jackson Sr., Randy Barfield (Son), H.C. & Ora B (Uncle & Bonus Mom), Roy C. Jackson Jr. & Garry Bradley (Brothers), Janice K. Reed (Sister) Shirley Leaves to cherish her memory James O. Barfield (Husband), Carlos (Shaylta) & James “Bobo” Barfield (Sons) Janetter Bradley, Cathy Minnieweather, Cassandra Robinson & Shelia Steel (Sisters) C. Denise Barfield ( Daughter in Law), Burnell Reed (Brother in Law), Myra, Reyonna & Carlyta (Granddaughters) James, Bernard & Carlos Barfield Jr. (Grandsons). A host of lovely nieces, nephews, great great nieces & nephews, cousins, friends, and foster children.

 Lovely Wife, Mom, Sister Grandmother, Auntie, and friend. God has picked another rose to place in his heavenly garden. Take your rest Shirley Bell, we love you and you will be missed but never forgotten.